Pit Heeler (American Pitbull Terrier & Blue Heeler Mix): Info, Pictures & More
Updated on
| Height: | 17–24 inches |
| Weight: | 35–60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | White, gray, or brown base with blue mottled, striped, or spotted finish |
| Suitable for: | Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog |
| Temperament: | Loyal, Loving, Hardworking, Headstrong, Always Looking to Please |
The Pit Heeler is a crossbreed of the American Pitbull and the Australian Cattle Dog, more often referred to as the Blue Heeler. The relatively new hybrid is also known as the Bull Heeler, Bull Pit Heeler, or Queensland Pit. They inherit herding and loyalty traits from both of their parent breeds.
Because of their thick coat, Pit Heelers can tolerate chilly weather but suffer in hot climates. With consistent training, however, they can be loving family pets who constantly look for ways to impress and please their owners.
They are muscular and strong, with powerful jaws. To prevent destructive behavior, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation. Pit Heelers have modest maintenance requirements and shed twice a year. Shedding lasts longer in cold climates, but their short hair doesn’t shed excessively.
Pit Heeler Puppies
The Pit Heeler is a new hybrid, but the popularity of the parent breeds may help their demand increase. When you’re looking for a Pit Heeler, take your time to research reputable breeders. Avoid breeders that sell Pit Heelers at low prices since it can be a sign of a puppy mill where the dogs aren’t raised properly. You can also ask a local dog rescue if they have Pitbull mixes that resemble the Pit Heeler.
Pit Heelers tend to be hard-working and energetic dogs. They’re also loving dogs that develop strong bonds with their human companions. To keep up with their high energy levels, be ready to dedicate lots of time to exercise and training.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Pit Heeler
1. Heelers Are Cattle Dogs That Nip at The Heels of Lazy Cattle.
Heelers are Australian cattle dogs who got their name because they tend to nip at the heels of the cattle they manage. They help ensure that the rancher’s cattle don’t roam off, and if they haven’t had proper training, they can become rough with the cattle under their charge. However, they also love to please, so training is highly recommended. Heelers were introduced from Australia to America by ranchers looking for these desirable traits, and a Pit Heeler can be trained as a working dog.
2. Pit Heelers Are Very Energetic.
Pit Heelers have very high energy levels and require at least an hour or more of daily exercise. If you don’t have a large yard where they can naturally burn off energy, you can visit the dog park. Both parents are used to herding cattle over vast expanses of space, so they can easily cope with walking several miles.
3. Pit Heelers Are Very Sociable.
It’s always a good idea to socialize a puppy. It prevents undesirable reactions when introduced to people and animals in the future, and it can also assist in training. In the case of Pit Heelers, it can be highly beneficial to adopt two dogs so they have company and are well-socialized by the time they mature.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Pit Heeler 🧠
Pit Heelers are, first and foremost, working dogs. They are strong, have boundless energy, and can run miles without missing a beat. Even inside, they need regular physical and mental stimulation and will want to get involved in anything that looks like a game. Ensure that they’re well stocked with appealing toys and get plenty of exercise.
You can train a typical Pit Heeler for most working tasks as long as you make learning fun and engaging and are consistent with your training efforts. Pit Heelers can, by their nature, be biters. Ranchers use them to nip at the heels of large animals and have strong jawbones.
You must ensure that nipping and biting are discouraged as soon as possible. Although a puppy might not bite aggressively, you should still train them to prevent it from becoming a problem later.
Like Pit Bulls, Heelers are loyal and loving. They enjoy spending time with their families, and as long as they were trained at an early age, they should pose no threat to your family.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
Pit Heelers really can make excellent family pets. They have a long lifespan, are energetic and fun, and can be loyal and loving. But, to display these traits, they need training and socializing from a young age. They need to be taught that nipping is unacceptable, which will require consistent and firm training.
This doesn’t require aggressive training, but positive affirmation and negative reinforcement will go a long way to ensure that your puppy integrates well with the rest of the family.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Training and socialization are also necessary if you have other pets. By socializing your puppy when they’re young, through puppy training classes, and by regularly meeting different people and animals, you should have no problems integrating your Pit Heeler into a pack with other dogs, cats, or other animals.
If you are adopting or taking on an older Pit Heeler, it will depend on the dog and the type and consistency of training they’ve had. Most adult Pit Heelers enjoy spending time with other dogs, but it isn’t guaranteed. Try to determine how they react around other dogs before committing.
Things to Know When Owning a Pit Heeler:
Pit Heelers can make great family pets, but several factors must be considered before adopting or buying one.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
All dogs require high-quality protein in their diet, typically animal protein. Protein helps build healthy muscles and is especially important in a muscular canine like the Pit Heeler.
Puppies have higher protein demands than adult dogs, and young Pit Heelers need at least 22% protein. Adult dogs still require a minimum of 18% protein in their diet. Fat requirements are 8% and 5% for puppies and adult dogs, respectively. Look for formulas with chondroitin and glucosamine to maintain good musculoskeletal strength and health.
Puppies require three meals a day. As your dog ages, you can reduce this to two meals a day. If your adult Heeler is an active or working dog, stick to three meals to ensure that they get a good balance of required protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
- Check out our review of the best high-protein dog foods here!
Exercise 🐕
The Pit Heeler is a strong and very energetic dog. Originally bred for herding cattle over vast expanses of land, they can roam and run for miles without tiring. While your pet Pit Heeler does not need quite the same level of exercise as they would when ranching, you need to be prepared to put in the effort. You should spend at least an hour a day exercising your Heeler.
Pit Heelers are also very intelligent. In addition to offering physical exercise, you must provide mental stimulation. Play games, provide plenty of interactive toys, and don’t be afraid to use this time to train your Heeler. Their loyalty and willingness to please allow you to train them for a wide range of tasks using positive reinforcement.
Training 🦮
Pit Heelers should be trained from a young age. They are strong, energetic, and playful. If you don’t set boundaries and teach good behavior, they can quickly become bored, leading to antisocial activities. They also have strong jaws and can make short work of sofas and other furniture.
Positive reinforcement involves praising and rewarding your dog for performing a desired task. This type of training is especially effective for dogs like Pit healers who depend on their owners and love to make them happy.
In addition to teaching the basics like sit and stay, you will need to discourage nipping. Nipping is a natural trait that takes time to reduce. Reward and give treats for positive behavior and find actions that can replace the nipping. Do this early and ensure that children and others are aware of the dog’s tendency to nip.
Early socialization is just as important. Your Heeler can become shy and wary of strangers, and their herding nature can irritate other dogs and animals. Puppy obedience classes can help reduce undesirable behaviors. If you enjoy running, scrambling, or hiking, try to find a way to get your Pit Heeler involved because they will appreciate the work.
- Related Read: Best Dog Harness for Hiking: Reviews & Top Picks
Grooming ✂️
The Pit Heeler must be brushed weekly and given baths when they start to smell. The dog’s natural inclination to roam, kick dirt, and play on the ground will dictate their bathing frequency.
You will need to clip your dog’s nails every 4 to 6 weeks, but it depends on how much exercise they get, especially if they walk on concrete. Hard and abrasive surfaces like concrete naturally wear nails down.
It’s best to clean your Heeler’s teeth two or three times a week, minimum, but ideally every day. Their ears should be wiped out weekly to prevent mites and ear infections.
Health and Conditions ❤️
Pit Heelers come from very hardy stock. Both parents are considered healthy, but they have a few common complaints. They are prone to hip dysplasia and are more likely to suffer from a loss of vision caused by progressive retinal atrophy. With good care and maintenance, your pet Pit Heeler should live between 12 and 15 years.
- None
- Hip dysplasia
- Congenital Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness (CHSD)
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Male vs Female Pit Heeler
There’s very little difference between the males and females of this breed. Both sexes can grow roughly the same size and usually show similar character traits.
Final Thoughts
The Pit Heeler is an energetic and fun cross between the American Pitbull and the Blue Heeler. Descended from herding dogs and cattle dogs, they have boundless energy and require steady and consistent training, as well as socialization from a young age.
If trained well, the Pit Heeler makes a loving and loyal member of the family. They’re healthy dogs with a life expectancy of up to 15 years. Although baths might become common thanks to the dog’s tendency to run through water and mud, the Pit Heeler is relatively easy to care for and maintain.
You should be prepared to feed high-protein and high-fat meals to accommodate the dog’s love of exercise. Owners must also train their Heelers not to nip and consider joining a dog agility or herding class.
Featured Image Credit: Angela Cavina, Pexels
